Friday, December 16, 2016

Education committees getting it right

As the winter education season is officially upon us, educational and networking events have ramped up across the region over the past few weeks, and they have not disappointed. Chapter boards and education committees have done an outstanding job this season putting together educational events that are both relevant and entertaining.

Earlier in the month, the Wisconsin GCSA held its Annual Meeting & Turf Symposium, which takes place each year at the American Club in Kohler, Wis. As one of the marquee events on the WGCSA calendar, this two-day event provides a wealth of education and networking opportunities. My hat goes off to the WGCSA education committee. They brought in university professors from around the region to speak on a variety of topics, as well as professionals from related industries to discuss labor issues and arbor care. The theme this year was 'Protecting your Grass' with an image of a male donkey on the cover. The symposium offered just that with information to protect both your turf and your backside. Not only were agronomic issues addressed, the topics of advocacy, community relations and the promotion of the profession were covered in depth and left a lasting impression on the attendees. I'm already looking forward to next year's theme and program.

WGCSA president Jon Canavan welcoming all to the 2016 Turf Symposium.

The following week, and about 270 miles south of Kohler, annual meetings continued in Illinois. Beginning with the Central Illinois GCSA, 15-year GCSAA member and Class A superintendent Raymond Actis welcomed members from the CIGCSA to Crestewicke Country Club for their annual meeting and education seminar. Another great line-up of speakers (and no I'm not just saying that because I was on the program) were on hand for the event to offer insights on upcoming research being done in the region. The event included incoming CIGCSA president and 13-year Class A member Greg Willman presenting to the membership on how he continues to move the association forward.

Dr. Kopsell from ISU discussing his upcoming research.

Wrapping up the week, members of the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents (MAGCS) met at Medinah Country Club for the always popular Turf Clinic and Annual Meeting. The MAGCS' education committee did another outstanding job lining up speakers for this year's event. Not only was education provided on soil testing and combating various turf diseases, Wrigley Field head groundskeeper Justin Spillman was on hand to discuss the 'ins and outs' of maintaining the ballpark during the Chicago Cubs historic championship run; I believe the MAGCS' education committee is already lining up the same presentation to take place in the year 2124.

Wrigley Field head groundskeeper Justin Spillman presenting at Medinah CC.

These are just a few of the great examples of chapter boards and education committees going above and beyond to provide world-class events for their fellow members. I personally am able to take a great deal away from each of these events and know I can say the same for all of those who attended. I would like to thank those individuals who have served and are currently serving on their respective boards, as it takes sacrifice and dedication to ensure members are receiving full value from their membership. If you have not been out to a chapter event recently, I challenge you to attend in 2017. You will not be disappointed!

I want wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season as you spend time with family and friends. I look forward to seeing you in 2017!

Monday, November 21, 2016

Round table discussions

After what has been described by many superintendents in the region as one of the toughest years regarding weather in recent memory, it's nice to have the Thanksgiving holiday nearly upon us. It's also nice to be able to reflect on the season with your peers and colleagues to find out how others handled various issues and difficult stretches throughout the season.

Near the end of the season, the Miami Valley GCSA offers the MVGCSA Round Table Discussions for superintendents, equipment managers, assistants and vendors to meet and discuss a variety of topics. Rotating each year between a handful of golf courses, the open forums take place at the turfgrass maintenance facility of the host course. Hosting the event at the turfgrass maintenance facility allows those in attendance to tour the host superintendent's facilities and hopefully gather a couple of ideas to take back to their property. It also gives equipment managers a great platform to network with other equipment techs from around the area. During the meeting, there is no official set agenda, members simply weigh in on the successes and failures during the season. This format also allows assistants and equipment managers to be part of the discussions and add their perspective from the season.

Brian Laurent starts the meeting with an association update.

This year's host was 15-year GCSAA member Ryan D'Autremont, head superintendent at Dayton Country Club. Some of the highlights from this year's event included discussions on labor, difficult weather patterns, hosting events, government regulations and course renovations & construction. A huge thank you goes out to all who attended and participated in the lively discussions.

I wish all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. As we take a moment to enjoy this time with family and friends, please keep in mind there are a handful of great social and educational events across the region as we move into December, a list of upcoming events in the region include:

  • November 28-29 - Michigan Golf Business Conference - Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
  • November 30-December 1 - Wisconsin GCSA Turf Symposium - Kohler, Wis.
  • December 1 - Michigan GCSA Northern Holiday Party - Traverse City, Mich.
  • December 2 - Kentuckiana GCSA Charitable Christmas Party - Louisville, Ky.
  • December 2 - Michigan GCSA Detroit Holiday Party - Keego Harbor, Mich.
  • December 5-8 - OTF Conference & Show - Columbus, Ohio
  • December 5 - Central Illinois GCSA Annual Meeting - Bloomington, Ill.
  • December 5 - Midwest Association of GCS South Side Holiday Party - Frankfort, Ill. 
  • December 7 - Tri-State GCSA Christmas Party - Evansville, Ind.
  • December 9 - Michigan GCSA West Holiday Party - Grand Rapids, Mich.
  • December 7 - Midwest Association of GCS Turf Clinic & Annual Meeting - Medinah, Ill.
  • December 14 - Northwest Illinois GCSA Holiday Party - Rockford, Ill.
  • December 14 - Indiana GCSA Christmas Party - Noblesville, Ind.
  • December 15 - Northwest Ohio GCSA Christmas Luncheon - Toledo, Ohio
  • December 16 - Michigan GCSA Western Holiday Party - Grand Rapids, Mich.
  • December 16 - Midwest Association of GCS West Side Holiday Party - Woodridge, Ill.
  • December 18 - Central Ohio GCSA Holiday Party - Columbus, Ohio

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Time to vote

Maybe it's the upcoming presidential election, maybe it's the fact many feel board service is a time-honored tradition or maybe they want to be more involved in the decision-making. Whichever the case, it's great to see more GCSAA members running for board service at their local chapter level.

As annual meetings ramp up across the region, almost all of those which have taken place thus far have had more members running for director positions than there are positions available. While this may sound problematic, as ultimately there can only be so many individuals on the board per chapter bylaws, it's really quite encouraging to the industry as more members are looking to get involved in their local chapters. We have seen it time and time again, members who want to give their time for board service typically make up a strong board, and it's the board who directly contributes to the success of the chapter.

As board members continue to keep the connection between GCSAA and their local chapters strong, it's encouraging to see chapter meetings with more members in attendance and new faces coming to each event. Again, this is a testament to the board for creating stronger chapter events, and an equal testament to the members who attend and receive value from these great meetings.

I encourage each of you to attend an upcoming meeting in your area, especially with many annual meetings are just around the corner, your attendance is always appreciated. A list of upcoming events in the region include:

  • Central Illinois GCSA: December 5 – Annual Meeting – Crestwicke CC – Bloomington, Ill.
  • Central Ohio GCSA: November 17 – Annual Meeting – Winking Lizard – Columbus, Ohio
  • Greater Cincinnati GCSA: November 9 – Fall Education Meeting - Maketewah Country Club – Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Kentuckiana: November 8 – Assistants Meeting – Louisville CC
  • Midwest Association of GCS: December 7 - Turf Clinic & Annual Meeting - Medinah CC - Medinah, Ill.
  • Michigan GCSA: November 28 – Michigan Golf Business Conference – Soaring Eagle Resort – Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
  • Miami Valley GCSA: November 14 – Association Round Tables – Dayton CC – Dayton, Ohio
  • Northern Ohio GCSA: November 16 – Annual Meeting – Lake Forest CC – Hudson, Ohio
  • Northwest Ohio GCSA: November 12 – Annual Dinner - Maumee Bay Resort & Conference Center – Oregon, Ohio
  • Tri-State GCSA: November 2 – Annual Meeting – Rolling Hills CC – Newburgh, Ind.
  • Wisconsin GCSA: November 5 – Annual Couples Dinner – City Club – Milwaukee, Wis.
  • Buckeye Golf Association Annual Meeting: November 2-3 – Shisler Conference Center – Wooster, Ohio

Friday, October 7, 2016

SIGCSA fundraiser receives support from neighbors

140 Southern Illinois GCSA members, guests and members from the Mississippi Valley GCSA descended upon Spencer T. Olin Golf Course for the annual SIGCSA fundraiser. Given the recent passing of longtime GCSAA supporter Arnold Palmer, the event was appropriately played at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course, which is an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and one Mr. Palmer visited frequently during construction and grow-in. The day began with a moment of silence out of respect for the legendary golfer and great supporter of our industry.

The SIGCSA fundraiser was appropriately played at an Arnold Palmer-designed course.

The event was a huge success, helping raise money for local scholarships and turfgrass research. A huge thank you goes out to 20-year GCSAA member Tim Johnson and his staff for preparing a wonderful golf course.

SIGCSA President Mike Jones, CGCS, awards 50 lbs. of grass seed as part of the fundraiser raffle.

Earlier this year, Steve Randall and I facilitated a strategic planning meeting with both the Southern Illinois GCSA and Mississippi Valley GCSA chapters. One of the outcomes from the meeting was to continue the promotion of cross-chapter participation. Due to the leadership of both chapters, the event was promoted through both associations, with the Quad-State Turfgrass Association stepping up and also supporting the SIGCSA fundraiser.

This cross-chapter participation is what sums up our industry so well, everyone coming together for the greater good of the profession. It's also great to see chapter leaders taking the extra effort to ensure chapter events are successful and offer value to the members. A big thanks goes out to SIGCSA executive director John Keuper and president Mike Jones, CGCS, as well as MVGCSA executive director Chuck Gast and president Mike Null, the work of these gentlemen ensured a terrific event!

Friday, September 9, 2016

Courses in Indiana persevere after tornadoes

Residents of Kokomo, Indiana began the daunting task a couple weeks ago of cleaning up and putting the pieces of their lives back together after eight tornadoes touched down in and around the Howard County area. The largest of the tornadoes registered as an EF-3 with peak winds coming in at 151 miles-per-hour. The fact there were no fatalities and only a handful of minor injuries is a testament to the quick-acting residents of Kokomo.

Considering the extensive damage, including over 1,000 homes and business destroyed or damaged, the community has come together and is well underway in the rebuilding process. I was able to visit with two courses in Kokomo which were impacted by the tornadoes.

I first met with 14-year GCSAA member and Chippendale Golf Club superintendent Kevin Custis. I met Kevin at what remained of his maintenance facility as he walked me through the heavily-damaged building. The entire north half of the structure had been ripped from the foundation and was displaced as the tornado moved through the property. As the structure came down, parts of the roof and joists collapsed on parked equipment creating additional damage and challenges for Kevin. The course itself also received substantial damage as over 40 trees were damaged or uprooted during the day's events.

The maintenance facility at Chippendale Golf Club.

Kevin and his small staff have already made great strides in the clean up effort and reopened the golf course after only one day, which is extraordinary given the current condition of his facility and the surrounding area. As we toured the golf course, Kevin was in high spirits and was thankful there was not more damage to the course as the twister narrowly avoided a handful of greens and tees.

The tornado overturned and displaced many pieces of equipment.

Following Kevin's visit I met with 31-year GCSAA member and Kokomo Country Club superintendent Larry Wilk. Larry reported he and his crew are all doing well following the horrific tornadoes. The course was back open after being closed for the ten days following the storms. Larry lost roughly 200 trees concentrated in a handful of areas around the course. Unfortunately, many of the trees were key trees on the property which helped shape holes and screen the practice facility. The majority of large cleanup has been completed, however, there are many trees which will need additional attention. Larry and his crew will continue the trimming and removal throughout the fall and winter, and will assess which trees are healthy and safe enough to remain. Larry has also begun to seed rough areas which were damaged by the storm, consisting of numerous acres throughout the property. Many greens and tees were also damaged as the twister tore through the property, moving directly over various complexes. Larry and the crew will also plug, sod and seed the affected areas.

A handful of the 100's of trees lost at Kokomo Country Club.

The course was also without power for seven days, during which time Larry did not have access to his irrigation system. The course did receive a small rain shower the day of the storm, which helped in the immediate few days after the tornado, however, there are still many fairways recovering from drought conditions. The Kokomo Country Club clubhouse also sustained damage, which was mainly to the HVAC systems and pool facilities. As with Chippendale Golf Club, no major damage occurred to any crew members home or property.

Tree work will continue throughout the fall and winter months.

Both courses are on their way to recovery with the leadership of both Kevin and Larry. Many members of the community lost their homes and possessions which will take a much longer to recover from. Speaking with both Larry and Kevin, the community has come together to help those in need, and support from family and friends has been vital to the recovery process.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Michiana GCSA poised for the future

The Michiana GCSA board of directors met recently with myself and Leann Cooper, GCSAA's senior manager of chapter services, to hold a strategic planning session for the chapter. The board's commitment to ensuring the future success of the chapter was showcased as they took time out of their schedules to conduct this important and effective meeting.

Most strategic planning meetings begin by the members affirming why said chapter exists and what it helps to accomplish moving forward. This is then reiterated, and adjusted if necessary, by conducting a SCOR (strength, challenges, opportunities and risks) analysis. The Michiana board was highly engaged during the session and identified areas to improve member services moving forward and created additional opportunities to support members as the chapter continues to expand.

The Michiana GCSA has always prided themselves on offering timely and relevant education to its members throughout the season, and this continued to be one of the main focuses from the meeting. The board will continue to focus its efforts on creating sound events in which members will receive direct benefit. The Michiana group will continue to build on the Spring Education Event which will set the precedent for the event calendar.

Creating additional member programs and services through direct partnerships with vendors and manufacturers will also be a focus for the Michiana GCSA. Utilizing these important relationships will not only give the vendors and manufacturers more flexibility and opportunity to support the industry and chapter members, it will also give all members the chance to become involved in services and programs created by the Michiana GCSA.

Success in any association largely depends on member activity and participation. The leaders of the Michiana GCSA have taken the necessary steps to create an environment where members are not only encouraged to become involved, but will see increased value from their chapter membership. With a sound agenda in place, and initiatives set which will benefit the members directly, it's easy to see why the Michiana GCSA continues to develop quality members, events and programs. I want to personally thank the Michiana GCSA board for their time and commitment to the industry and association.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Renovations at Moraine Country Club

Jason Mahl, the Class A superintendent at Moraine Country Club in Dayton, Ohio, has a huge item checked off his to-do list: open the golf course. A project which began with platform tennis construction, practice facility renovations and an extensive tree removal program, also featured a complete renovation of the golf course, including rebuilding all playing surfaces and installing new irrigation and drainage systems. What began over two years ago is now complete.

Jason Mahl (right) was on the first tee greeting those were in attendance for the MCC Media Day

The project originally broke ground in early 2014 when crews began demoing what are now the former tennis courts. Soon after the demo, construction began on the recently completed tennis courts, which includes brand new platform courts, surrounds, and a warming hut. Another large project which was coinciding with the platform tennis construction was the complete renovation of the practice facilities. The original range and tee were treated with glyphosate and the existing range irrigation was cut and capped. A new range tee was installed, including both grass and mat surfaces. The hitting area includes five new target greens, complete with bunkers and a large target fairway. In addition to the range, a short game facility was also added. The new short game facility features a USGA spec'd putting green, practice bunkers and approach area. New irrigation and drainage was installed over the complete range and short game practice facility.

Communicating the proper range tee divot patterns to the MCC members has seen early success.

The project on the golf course itself did not begin until June 2015, which happened to be one of the wettest June months in Ohio history with over eight inches of rainfall in a two-week span. The construction project on the course was a massive undertaking. Every playing surface was to be rebuilt, and a complete redesign of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, roughs and native areas was to take place. New irrigation and drainage were also being installed at this time. With the record-setting rainfall in June, the project faced considerable delays early, but, Jason and his staff worked additional hours to ensure the project remained on schedule. A huge kudos goes out to Jason and the Moraine turf staff for making personal sacrifices to ensure the project was a huge success.

The ninth hole post renovation. The course looked fantastic.

Moraine Country Club officially opened back up to the members on June 11, 2016, more than two years after the project initially broke ground. I was fortunate enough to view much of the course in late June, and it's easy to see why Jason and his staff are getting such high praise from the Moraine membership. The course looked beautiful and playing conditions were second to none. Not only did Jason do a great job spearheading the two-year project, he kept the membership well informed throughout the entire process, proving the value of communication. Superintendents have come a long way from lurking in the shadows and seen as individuals who just 'mow the grass', and Jason is a prime example of that. His leadership shown on the project includes a website he created to keep the Moraine membership informed and displays just how far our members have come. This is a great example which showcases managing the largest asset of any club is both an art and science which requires a trained, skilled and dedicated individual.

A group finishing up their round on the 18th green (ninth green in foreground).

Friday, July 15, 2016

Ohio chapters come together for great cause

For the first time, the five Ohio GCSAA-affiliated chapters came together to host a joint chapter event, and the cause couldn't have been better: raising funds for the Wee One Foundation. The fundraiser began about a month before the event date, featuring a challenge between the five chapters. The challenge brought some good ole competition between the chapters, determining which chapter could garner the most participation in the event and raise the most funds.

The Wee One Foundation has directly supported several Ohio turfgrass industry members including Dean Kerns and Ryan Kopke who were both in attendance supporting the day's cause. Both of these gentlemen shared some of their experiences of how the Wee One offered assistance and donations. These shared experiences really hit home with those in attendance. It let them know that their donations were appreciated and that they are directly making a difference in our tight-knit turf community. All the proceeds from the day went to Dean Kerns to continue his battle with ALS.

Ohio Wee One attendees supporting Dean Kerns and his battle with ALS.

The event featured about 80 participants from around the state and region, including Adam Ikamas, CGCS of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association and Luke Cella, CGCS of the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Following golf and dinner, Luke Cella gave a brief presentation on the background of the Wee One and presented a check to Dean Kerns which put the total dollar amount donated by the Wee One Foundation over $1,000,000 to date. A silent auction and fundraising ball-drop were also featured on the day to help raise additional funds for the cause. This was a great event for the state of Ohio and the turf community as it was the first Wee One event to take place in Ohio. A huge thank you goes out to all those who worked so hard to make this event possible, including Brian Laurent of Propel Solutions and his team and Wedgewood Country Club and Joe Noppenberger for hosting. Thank you to the Wee One Foundation, which matched all funds up to $10,000 raised by this great event. This was an exceptional inaugural event, and I look forward to seeing it grow throughout the years!

COGCSA past President Carl Wittenauer, CGCS with Dean Kerns getting ready to select the 'ball-drop' winner.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Michigan Golf Day at the capitol building

Over the past decade, the Michigan Golf Alliance — made up of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Section PGA, Greater Michigan Club Managers Associations and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation — has organized the annual Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol, which takes place on the Capitol lawn in Lansing, Mich.

This year's event began with Representative Jason Sheppard from Monroe County providing opening remarks. Rep. Sheppard discussed the economic impact golf plays in Michigan, as well as the continued efforts to introduce new players to the game. Hailing from a golfing family, he is well versed in some of the issues facing the industry. Last year, Governor Rick Snyder signed a proclamation declaring June as 'Michigan Golf Month.' This year, Rep. Sheppard presented the proclamation to the presidents of the associations who make up the Michigan Golf Alliance. Tim Skubick, host of the PBS television show 'Off the Record' and long-time political columnists in the state of Michigan, followed Rep. Sheppard. Mr. Skubick offered his insight on the upcoming national election in November and spoke on various legislation currently being discussed in Michigan, outlining how it may impact our industry.

I accompanied MiGCSA Executive Director Adam Ikamas, CGCS, and Saginaw Country Club superintendent Rob Steger, CGCS, during our visits to the offices of various state senators and representatives. During our visits, we relayed information regarding the $4.2 billion economic impact golf has in Michigan, the 58,000 jobs the game supports, the environmental benefits and the $118 million charitable impact the game provides. With the work and preparation of the Michigan Golf Alliance, every state legislator's office was visited throughout the day to discuss golf's important role in Michigan.

'Lunch on the Turn,' which takes place on the Capitol building lawn, was once again catered by Eagle Eye Golf Course. This lunch provides a great opportunity to meet with various legislators on a personal level to discuss issues which take place both on and off the course. Some of the state and national issues which came up most often were the Department of Labor's new overtime wage regulations, the future use of water and the role the golf course superintendent plays at the facility. Legislators could also have their swing examined by Michigan Section PGA Professionals, as well as receive putting tips at displays set up on the lawn. Both the House and Senate were in session during the day, which worked out well, as nearly every state legislator came out to the Capitol lawn to join us for a golf inspired lunch.

Many of the legislators we spoke to during the event were looking forward to Michigan Golf Day, which is a testament to the preparation and work the Michigan Golf Alliance does to promote, not only the day but the entire industry. A massive 'thank you' goes out to all Michigan Golf Alliance members who made the trip to Lansing, The MiGCSA once again had a solid contingent, with members taking time away from the course, in order to support this important day for the golf industry, and create key relationships with state legislators.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Pure Michigan

Last year, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder officially decreed June as Michigan Golf Month, so I thought a recap of my recent travels to the state would be timely. The Senior PGA Championship wrapped up last week at the Golf Club at Harbor Shores, located on the eastern edge of Lake Michigan in Benton Harbor, Mich. Harbor Shores previously hosted the event in 2012 and 2014, and is scheduled on the same two-year rotation through 2024. Host superintendent Brad Fry and assistant superintendent Austin Grall had the course in immaculate condition, even with mother nature being somewhat uncooperative. I was fortunate enough to volunteer on the grounds crew for a couple days during the event, which featured volunteers from as far as Texas and Florida, as well as industry peers around the Great Lakes area.

Brad and his staff did a tremendous job organizing the volunteers each morning and evening creating a conducive team atmosphere. The local industry partners went above and beyond providing hospitality, meals and uniforms, showcasing just how everyone pools together to help our neighbors when they need a hand. The golf course tested some of the best players in the world, providing some of the most scenic settings while doing so.

The Golf Club at Harbor Shores is a unique golf course featuring spectacular views of Lake Michigan and winds along the Paw Paw River in Southwestern Michigan. If you are in the area and haven't been to the property, make a point to do so, it is worth the trip. Also, with the Senior PGA Championship coming back to the course every two years, mark your calendar now to volunteer in 2018, I'm sure you'll make some lasting friendships and won't be disappointed by doing so. A huge thank you goes out to Brad, Austin and the entire Harbor Shores staff and volunteers. Events like these make the industry so rewarding.

Earlier in the month, I visited the southeastern part of the state, where I was able to stop by the course where held my first position on a grounds crew, Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Oxford, Mich. I started there over 16 years ago, under the supervision of Scot Gardiner, CGCS, who continues to oversee the 27-hole facility.

It was my first trip to the course in almost a decade, and it was great to see the fantastic work Scot has done over that time. The course weaves through an extensive and continuous housing development. It was carved out of an unused gravel pit which creates unique challenges to Scot and his crew. The course was in excellent condition, even though our travels were limited due to the weather continuing the early May trend of being cool and wet. We were, however, able to tour a good portion of the course and see the many improvements Scot has made over the years.

Visiting Scot and Boulder Pointe was a great experience. It gave me a great perspective on how relationships evolve and grow over the years, as well as provided me a unique and personal appreciation of the individuals who work to make this industry so great. The visit was very personal to me, which is something I will continue to reflect on, and take with me to each event and visit I attend in the future.

Also, coming up next week on June 9 is Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol. The day is put on by the Michigan Golf Alliance and is an extremely important event on the MiGCSA calendar. Please plan on attending the day's events in Lansing and supporting all of those who make up the Michigan golf industry. More information and sign up can be found here.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Neonic bans in Illinois introduced in House and Senate

Illinois House Bill 5900 and Illinois Senate Bill 2965, better known as the Saving Illinois Pollinators Act, were introduced earlier this year in the 99th Illinois General Assembly. Both bills are in their early stages but have already added a significant amount of representative co-sponsors in both the Illinois House and Senate.

The bills are identical in their description and partially read as follows: Provides that beginning 9 months after the effective date of the Act, it shall be unlawful to apply any neonicotinoid insecticides on any public lands owned or maintained by Illinois. Provides that beginning 9 months after the effective date of the Act, it shall be unlawful to apply neonicotinoid insecticides in any other outdoor residential settings, including landscaping, ornamental, or other outdoor applications in Illinois. 

The bills also leave room to adopt any rules to further define or implement provisions within the act.

As of the publication of this post, the bills have been referred to the Rules Committee in the Illinois House of Representatives, and to the Assignments Committee in the Illinois Senate. Both of these committees are made up of three members of the majority party (Democrat), and two members of the minority party (Republican). These five individuals from each committee decide if the bill will be assigned to one of the standing committees in each the House and Senate, and if so, which committee. If House Bill 5900 and Senate Bill 2965 are assigned to standing committees, they would most likely be assigned to the Environment Committee in both areas of the Illinois General Assembly. 

During these Environment Committee hearings, the bill’s sponsors (Rep. Will Guzzardi in the House and Sen. Don Harmon in the Senate) explain the bills to the Environment Committee members. Individuals, including special interest groups, government agencies or private citizens can voice their opposition or support of a bill at this time. As of right now the Rules and Assignment Committee hearings for each bill have not been scheduled.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Michigan courses discuss Fair Labor Standards Act

The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association recently held a seminar to discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA was enacted in 1938, but, with proposed changes scheduled to take place later this year, the act has come under question recently. Much of the day's discussion impacted owners, however, many of the issues pertain to superintendents and include:

  • I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Forms - I-9 forms must be filled out and filed for every employee who works at the golf course, including all of those on the grounds crew. These forms should remain on file for a minimum of three years after the conclusion of employment for each employee. 
  • Non-Exempt vs. Exempt Employees - Non-exempt employees may be paid on an hourly basis, must earn at least minimum wage, and must be paid overtime for all hours over 40 worked in one work week. Exempt employees are generally salaried employees (many superintendents and assistants fall in this category), must be paid at least $455/week (proposed change would see this salary number jump to $921/week) and meet the job duties of one of the white collar exemptions.
  • Payroll Records - Along with I-9 forms, payroll records must be retained for a minimum of three years following the end of the year to which they relate.
  • Posting Requirements - All employers are required to post the FLSA minimum wage provision in an area where their employees congregate, such as the break room or lunch room. FLSA posting's vary by statues so please check the posters page to find out which postings you need to display in your facility. Postings typically change year-to-year, so instead of purchasing the large laminate posters, the forms can be printed on 8" x 11" sheets of paper and re-hung when changes occur.
  • Preventative Measures:
    • Regularly review time records for accuracy. Make sure any changes made to hours worked have both the supervisor's and employee in question's approval. 
    • Develop accurate job descriptions. Job descriptions are important. Be sure the description is written based on the job itself, and the not the person currently performing the job. It is also important, under the 'Duties and Responsibilities' area of the description to add: 'Additional duties assigned by the supervisor'. 

This only covers a brief snapshot of the entire FLSA, as the act covers additional information. I would encourage you to visit the DOL's FLSA website for more information on the FLSA, and to review the proposed changes which may directly impact your facility and employees.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Chapter Leaders/Executives Symposium

The Chapter Leaders/Executive Symposium wrapped up last week at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas. The symposium features chapter members and executives from 25 affiliated chapters scattered across the nation. The goal of the symposium is to provide leadership training, offer development to chapters and discuss components necessary for chapter success. It also allows GCSAA an opportunity to communicate services and programs available to GCSAA chapters and members.

GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans kicked off the event with a passionate presentation on working as a team to create successful events. Rhett highlighted the importance of individuals and the roles they play when planning events. He also stressed chapters must know the member's needs and expectations they have when attending, or deciding to attend these events. Chapters must work together within their organizations to make sure these needs and expectations are being exceeded.

Following Rhett's presentation, Bill Hamilton, CGCS, and Irene Cline from the Sierra Nevada chapter gave a presentation on an outreach event put on in an under-served area of their chapter. Bill and Irene focused the education portion of the event on issues which were directly facing the area where the event was taking place. They also spoke on how holding events in similar areas can create a sense of community and encourage members to become more involved. Brian Laurent of the Miami Valley GCSA, Central Ohio GCSA and Greater Cincinnati GCSA gave an informational presentation on selecting and implementing a new website to communicate with chapter members.

Updates were also given by GCSAA staff on: marketing campaigns, the upcoming redesigned GCSAA website, Chapter Outreach Grants, National Golf Day, Grassroots Ambassadors, Rounds 4 Research, social media etiquette and upcoming Golf Industry Shows. Both days concluded with attendees breaking in to roundtable based on region and topics.

The second day began with Steve Randall, GCSAA's director of chapter outreach, giving a spirited presentation on leadership and how the outreach program has evolved over the past 10 years. Steve stressed the importance of communication and challenged everyone in the room to become a better communicator, leader and person.

The day-and-a-half event was full of education, ideas and training opportunities which can be used at each chapter, regardless of size or location. The event also allowed each participant to network with peers and develop both professional and personal relationships. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Grassroots Ambassadors in action!

Grassroots Ambassadors Zach Wike and Jason Mahl from the Miami Valley GCSA and I recently spent the day at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. The agenda for the day featured meetings with five Ohio state senators and representatives from the Miami Valley region. The goal of these meetings was to advocate on behalf the turfgrass/golf management profession, and forge lasting relationships with local representatives who influence laws and regulations that effect our profession.

Throughout the day, we met with Representatives Bob Hackett, Rick Perales and Fred Strahorn, along with staff members from Senators Bill Beagle and Peggy Lehner's office.

During each meeting, we presented the representative or senator a brochure focusing on three key areas of Ohio golf: economic impact, water quality and environmental habitats. We also introduced them to GCSAA's Grassroots Ambassador program, the First Green Foundation and explained our positions on key federal issues such as WOTUS and H-2B. In addition to these subjects, we also provided examples of the professionalism and environmental stewardship golf course superintendents exhibit each day.

Some of the key talking points we focused on were:

  • Golf's $4.8 billion economic impact in Ohio 
  • 68,000 jobs created by the golf industry in Ohio, with $1.5 billion in wage income
  • Charitable giving of $155 million annually 
  • Golfs impact on related industries such as tourism and hospitality
  • Golf's water use has dropped by 22 percent nationally over the past decade
  • Golf uses less than 1.5 percent of all irrigated water in the U.S.
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and pollinator habitats golf courses provide
  • Recreation, fitness and training opportunities offered by golf courses

In each meeting, the representative or staff members were very inviting and receptive to our message. These relationships will build a foundation for future meetings and give us a seat at the table when regulations are drafted that effect our profession. Since the meetings, Representative Bob Hackett has scheduled a fundraiser outing at Beavercreek Golf Club where Zach Wike serves as the assistant superintendent. A big thank you goes out to Zach and Jason for taking time out of their schedules to set-up and attend these important advocacy efforts.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

2016 Golf Industry Show recap

GIS always seems to creep up on the calendar, and when the week does arrive, it seems to go by in a similar fashion.

Although I wasn't able to attend the GCSAA Golf Championships, I heard great things about the course conditions, weather, camaraderie and competition. A big thank you goes out to the superintendents who played in the various competitions, and also to those superintendents and their crews who hosted the GCSAA Golf Championships. Their hard work makes the event possible.

As this was my first GIS as a field staff representative, my week was a little different than in years past, and I wanted to share with you some of my favorite moments:

  • First off, thank you to all of the attendees who had their registration email or print-out handy, as registration with the QR (Quick Response) codes went smoothly with little to no trouble. It kept what little line there was moving quickly.

  • With 25 new seminars and sessions offered this year, the education portion had something for everyone. I was fortunate to sit in on a couple sessions Monday afternoon, and was glad I did. I am always impressed by the level of education and preparedness of superintendents and industry professionals who teach the seminars and sessions, they truly provide relevant and timely information.  

  • The Opening Session held on Tuesday night saw the various GCSAA awards handed out to well-deserving individuals. This is a fun event which is followed by the Opening Night Celebration which was held on the terrace of the convention center. The event featured food, drink, networking and wonderful weather.

  • I attended the Chapter Executive and Chapter Editor's session on Tuesday which is an excellent networking opportunity and idea-sharing platform. Chapter executives from around the country (and Canada) get together to exchange information on what is and isn't working when planning chapter meetings, publishing newsletters and magazines, scheduling social events and creating education line-ups. Rhett Evans kick-started the meeting by introducing some of the 2016 GCSAA initiatives and priorities. The field staff team – myself included – were able to brief the executives on initiatives in our respective regions and give them an update on current focuses. 

  • Wednesday the field staff team and GCSAA Board of Directors were able to meet with chapter presidents at the annual Chapter Presidents Breakfast. This event is set-up similar to the Chapter Executives Session, where chapter presidents are able to network, share ideas and focus on areas chapters are looking to improve. The event also allows chapter presidents to meet the GCSAA board of directors and have a Q&A session with them. Wednesday, I was also able to work the GCSAA booth on the trade show floor. Getting out on the trade show floor is always a highlight of the week, everyone is excited to meet with vendors and catch up with old friends.

  • This was my first time attending GCSAA's annual meeting, which was held on Thursday and saw the proposed bylaw changes, member standards and definition of the Class A superintendent all pass after the voting was conducted by the chapter delegates. The annual meeting is a fun and interesting event as you get to see the voting process first-hand and meet many of GCSAA's past presidents in attendance. 

  • The GIS concluded with the Closing Celebration. This event was extremely well-attended, and, in my opinion an excellent way to wrap up the week. Turf Bowl awards were presented which allowed everyone to get into their school spirit (maybe NC State will field a team next year), and comedian Frank Caliendo put on a hilarious show. If you haven't attended a Closing Celebration over the past few years, I highly recommend you do, it's well worth your time. 

Thank you to all those who attended GIS and to the vendors and sponsors who make this great event happen each year. Already looking forward to Orlando!

Friday, January 15, 2016

Strategic planning sessions for your chapter

This week, Steve Randall and I facilitated a strategic planning session with a local Great Lakes chapter. This was my first time working with a chapter in this capacity. Not only was it a lot of fun (honestly), I was very pleased with the process and outcome.

The first step in orchestrating a strategic planning session is to have a chapter board that is willing to exert the time and commitment to outline and institute specific goals for the chapter, this chapter had just that. The board knew the chapter was functioning at a high level and has been well-managed, but wanted to focus in on a few key areas for the coming year and beyond.

The strategic planning process is pretty simple and begins with board members stating what they hope to 'get out' of the planning process. Once this is covered, a SCOR analysis is completed on the chapter by the board. After we have the strengths, challenges, opportunities and risks of the chapter, the group then votes and focuses in on the couple most important bullet points from each SCOR area.

Strategic planning:

Establishing your chapter's framework for the future.

This information is now used to lay the groundwork for short and long-term goals. Whether it is addressing the chapter mission and vision, communication, chapter meetings, budgets, member participation or working with allied associations, the strategic planning process focuses resources on areas that will have a significant impact on the chapter moving forward. Not only can you now focus on these areas to improve chapter operations, it also sets timelines and assigns committees to complete these goals.

If your chapter has not participated in a strategic planning meeting, or it's been a handful of years since your last session, I highly encourage you to host a strategic planning session. Steve Randall has facilitated many strategic planning sessions during his time with GCSAA, and brings a wealth of knowledge to chapter boards and functions. These sessions are thought-provoking and can help lay the foundation of a successful chapter for the short- and long-term, and most importantly, improves the value and benefit the chapter brings to its members.